DIY Back Yard Composting Dont's

What not to use:

Sawdust from treated woods

Waste from essential oil trees such as black walnut, eucalyptus, red cedar

Meat

Gravy

Bones

Grease

Dairy

Pet litter/feces

Human feces

Ashes from coal or charcoal Diseased garden plants

Anything treated with chemicals Invasive weeds Poison ivy

DIY Back Yard Composting Do's

What to use:

Yard waste

Grass

Sod

Pine needles

Weeds

Vacuum bag waste

Hair

Newspaper

Herbs or spice

Nuts

Dried fruit

Fruit and vegetable waste

Yeast

Crackers

Pasta

Cereal

Bread

Rice

Stale baked goods

Juice

Beer

Wine

Vegetable based sauce

Frozen veg, fruit or breads

Canned veg, or fruit

Used coffee grounds and filters

Paper towels

Tea bags

Over ripe fruit

Shredded office paper

Wood ashes from non-treated logs

Animal bedding, straw, wood ships

Soggy paper

Eggshells

Waste from vegetable only eating animals

Organic materials

Exceptions:

(Things that normally fall into the don't list, but can actually boost your home compost considerably.

-Dead fish will boost nitrogen levels, but should be pushed into the center of the compost, regardless of style such as a pile of bin.

-Clam shells add calcium but must be shattered and crushed and spread evenly throughout your compost.

-Dried dog food is usually corn based, but may contain animal byproducts. Despite this general no no, dog food will add nutrients to yoour compost if distributed evenly and in smaller quantities.